METAMORPHIC ROCKS:

Introduction
Metamorphics rocks are formed from the older rocks when they are subjected to increased
temperature, pressure and shearing stresses at considerable depth in the earth's crust.
The older rocks may be either sedimentry, igneous or other metamorphic rocks.
Explanation:
During metamorphism recrystallization takes place essentially in the solid state and new
minerals and new textures are produced. The agents which bring about metamorphic changes in
the rocks are heat, uniform pressure, directed pressure or stress and chemically active fluid and
gases.
Heat: Within the earth temperature increases with depth and as a result appreciably high
temperature exists at great depths. In the outer parts of the earth common cause for elevated
temperature is the intrusion of hot igneous bodies.
Uniform Pressure: The static pressure on rocks is caused by deep burial. This pressure is due to
the weight of the overlying rocks. As temperature gradient exists within the earth, the static
pressure is usually associated with higher temperature.
Directed Pressure: Directed pressure or stress operates during folding movements that
accompany mountain building. Generally directed pressure plays an important role near the
earth's surface. As the depth increases the effect of directed pressure decreases and that of
uniform pressure increases.
Chemically Active fluids and Gases: Chemically active fluids and gases when pass through the
pores of rocks, they bring about changes in their original composition. The source of these
chemical agents is generaly the intrusive igneous body within the country rocks.

Processes of Metamorphism:
The processes which operates together in the effected rocks to bring about metamorphism are:
a) granulation
b) plastic deformation
c)recrystallization
d)metasomatism
A.Granulation:
Pressure shatters rocks and the friction is so great that the rock are partially melted. this
process where crushing of rocks takes place without loss of coherence, is called Granulation.
B.Plastic Deformation:
When a solid is subjected to stresses, its shapes changes. On the removal of stresses if the solid
doesnot regain its original shape, it is said to be Plasticaly deformed.
C.Recrystallization:
Recrystallization means either the formation of new minerals are formation of new crystals of
the pre existing minerals. The pore fluids of rocks is thought to facilitate this process.
Recrystallization causes mineralogical and textural changes in rocks during metamorphism.
D.Metamorphism:
Metamorphism is the process in which the original composition of rocks are changed primarily
by the addition or removal of material. This change is caused by the movement of hydrothermal
fluids through rocks usually under high temperature and pressures.
All the above said procceses usually operate in combination to produce metamorphic rocks.